Rookie Will Levis throws 4 TDs in his NFL debut as Titans beat Falcons 28-23 – News18

NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Rookie Will Levis threw for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns in his NFL debut, and the Tennessee Titans scored their most factors since 2021 in beating the Atlanta Falcons 28-23 on Sunday.

The Titans (3-4) capped an alumni weekend sporting Houston Oilers’ throwback uniforms all the way down to an oil derrick brand at midfield with the outdated nickname in every finish zone.

Levis grew to become the seventh rookie quarterback to begin this season, essentially the most rookies to begin in the primary eight weeks because the NFL merger, excluding the 1987 strike season. Six rookie quarterbacks began in that span in each 1971 and 2021.

The Titans quarterback grew to become the third rookie to begin in the AFC South alone, becoming a member of Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud. Levis joined Marcus Mariota (2015) as the one quarterbacks to throw at the very least 4 TD passes in their NFL debuts — each for the Titans — because the merger in 1970.

Two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons had two of Tennessee’s six sacks, together with a strip-sack of Desmond Ridder that the Titans became a landing. Harold Landry had two sacks as effectively.

DeAndre Hopkins completed with 128 yards and three TDs on 4 catches to match his profession excessive. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught Levis’ fourth TD go, a 33-yarder in the fourth. Derrick Henry additionally ran for 101 yards.

Atlanta (4-4) got here in atop the NFC South. The Falcons now have misplaced two of their previous three and dropped to 1-3 on the highway.

Ridder was evaluated for a concussion and cleared after throwing for 71 yards in the primary half.

The Falcons switched to Taylor Heinicke in the third quarter. He threw for 175 yards driving Atlanta to factors on 4 of his first 5 possessions. He pulled Atlanta inside 28-23 with 3:46 left with an 8-yard TD go to Scotty Miller.

When the Falcons acquired the ball again with 2:19 left and no timeouts, they turned it over on downs.

Titans coach Mike Vrabel caught to his promise in taking part in second-yr quarterback Malik Willis. He got here in on the fifth play of Tennessee’s opening collection and promptly fumbled the snap. Calais Campbell recovered for Atlanta on the Titans 28. Atlanta was held to the primary of three area objectives by Younghoe Koo.

The Titans caught with Levis, and the No. 33 choose general out of Kentucky confirmed why they traded up for him. He had extra TD passes by three quarters than Ryan Tannehill (two), who began the primary six video games.

Levis’ first NFL TD go was a 47-yarder to the three-time All-Pro broad receiver Hopkins late in the primary quarter that put the Titans forward to remain. After Simmons’ strip-sack of Ridder, Levis capped the drive with a 14-yard TD go to Hopkins.

HELPFUL HOPKINS

By catching Levis’ first NFL TD go, Hopkins now has completed that for 4 completely different quarterbacks tying Marvin Harrison and Joey Galloway for essentially the most such receptions in league historical past.

Hopkins was broad open for a 61-yard catch, placing the Titans up 21-9 late in the third quarter, turning into the primary Titans receiver with three or extra TD catches since Kenny Britt on Oct. 24, 2010, towards the Eagles.

INJURIES

Atlanta defensive lineman Grady Jarrett damage a knee early and didn’t return. His alternative LaCale London went down early in the third quarter with an injured knee. Fullback Keith Smith didn’t return with a concussion. Falcons broad receiver Drake London damage a groin.

The Titans misplaced proper deal with Chris Hubbard to a concussion late in the primary half. LB Joe Jones damage a hamstring and didn’t return for the second half.

UP NEXT

The Falcons return residence to host Minnesota.

The Titans go to Pittsburgh on Thursday evening.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)